The immortal of the Tang Dynasty, but the game starts at Xuanwu Gate?

With Zheng Shanyuan's "together," the matter was basically settled, but simply eliminating Chen Huai'an wouldn't be enough.

Even now, they still need to find a way to break the deadlock.

Zheng Yuanzong's eyes flickered slightly: "I've been studying this carefully lately and have discovered that there's already a lot of room for interference in the new imperial examination system."

"They seem to have solved the problem of the local examination system by changing it to a so-called free examination system, but this system still has quota restrictions."

"Isn't it just a matter of having no criminal record and basic literacy to register? Then let's fill all the spots!"

"What can he do to us?"

"Chen Huai'an himself said that the local governor could not refuse applicants without a reason, so it is natural for us to arrange for people to register."

Lu Xingjia looked puzzled, not expecting that the Zheng family had been searching for loopholes in the new imperial examination system all this time.

And things are already looking promising.

Cui Yixuan pondered, "This method does seem to have few problems. As long as the number of candidates is controlled, we can cut off the possibility of poor students emerging under the new imperial examination system from the very beginning."

"However, this is not a foolproof plan. What we can think of, Du Ruhui and his men can also think of!"

"None of Li Shimin's confidants were simple."

"Moreover... Du Ruhui himself said that the current new imperial examination system is only a rough system and has not yet been perfected."

"No problem!" Zheng Yuancong said confidently, "Even if we can't monopolize the upward mobility channels from the source, aren't there still the county examinations and the prefectural examinations later on?"

"They only said they would anonymize the names in the provincial examination because they have strong control over it. But will they still have that same control over the county and prefectural examinations?"

"The answer is no!"

Zheng Yuancong's lips curled into a sneer: "Chen Huai'an wants to slowly select talent through the imperial examinations and then gradually replace our people."

"But he seems to have forgotten that those in charge below are still our people, and even those at every level of the upward mobility are all our people. What can he use to replace them?"

"Not bad!" Zheng Shanyuan chuckled. "The family's scions have reached the pinnacle in almost every aspect. Even if they can cover up their names, can they really cover up their calligraphy?"

"These things are basically distinguishable at a glance; you can tell just by looking at how well the handwriting is done!"

Cui Yixuan nodded in agreement: "Yes, and with no prior criminal record, there's even more room for intervention."

"Since there's no censorship, it's too easy to ruin someone who has the opportunity to go to high school."

"These peasants who live in the fields should stay in the fields and never dream of rising above them to take our spots!"

"Does Chen Huai'an alone think he can hold up the sky for them?"

"joke!"

Upon hearing this, Cui Shanwei finally made up his mind and slammed his hand on the table, saying, "That's what we'll do!"

"Besides these, we also need to find ways to resolve issues such as unifying the classics, Chen Huai'an's backup plan, and the selection of examiners."

"These methods can only ensure that we minimize our losses, but they cannot guarantee that we will continue to grow!"

"Only those who make the rules will succeed!"

"It's alright!" Zheng Shanyuan held the teacup and gently blew on it to warm it.

"The Wang family of Taiyuan... the Li family of Zhao County, do they think that by siding with the imperial court and cooperating with them, they can strengthen themselves and surpass us?"

"Let him dream on!"

"Once Chen Huai'an dies, there will inevitably be huge turmoil."

"Only when things fall into chaos will we have a chance!"

Immediately afterwards, everyone began to discuss various details. They were not just making preparations for the first time, but also considering how much trouble would arise after Chen Huai'an's death and how to resolve it.

They even discussed how to manipulate the Wang family of Taiyuan and the Li family of Zhao County.

In short, these people, who had been pushed to a certain point, could no longer tolerate Chen Huai'an.

Cui Shanwei looked around and saw excitement in everyone's eyes, and a sense of respect rose in his heart.

Regardless of the circumstances, Chen Huai'an has only been around for less than two years, yet he has already pushed them to this point.

He is truly an extraordinary person!

Unfortunately, he was too young and did not understand the principle that excessive rigidity leads to breakage.

Oh well, he's just another Huo Qubing!

"..."

Three days later, near noon, Chen Huai'an gave Chang Gui and Ouyang Shu some instructions.

"You must be extremely careful about the movable type printing. His Majesty has personally sent people to keep an eye on it, and you yourselves must also be careful. This period is crucial. If the news leaks, I won't be able to protect your heads."

"Understood, Minister!" Ouyang Shu said solemnly. Ever since the day the court held a meeting to rectify the situation, the entire court and the public have been plunged into a strange atmosphere.

He wasn't stupid; he understood that things were already turbulent down there, and a conflict could erupt at any moment.

"Hmm..." Chen Huai'an closed his eyes. "If you do this well, I will recommend you to His Majesty to serve as a local official for a while to gain experience. Then, when the opportunity arises, you can come back and enter the Ministry of Rites, or see if there is a chance to become the Minister of Rites."

"As for Chang Gui... you should stay in the Ministry of Works."

Chang Gui: "..."

Ouyang Shu was overjoyed and quickly thanked him.

Chang Gui felt somewhat helpless. He was self-aware, knew his own personality, and understood that it wasn't that Chen Huai'an didn't want to promote him.

This is the end of his life.

So I didn't feel any resentment.

"Minister," Chang Gui raised a question, "We've gathered over two hundred people; such a large-scale personnel selection and transfer can't possibly be kept secret."

"A discerning person... might be able to guess some things."

"It's alright." Chen Huai'an waved his hand. "Don't worry about them. After a while, no one will dare to jump anymore."

"Just keep it quiet for now, focus on your own business, and don't worry about anything else!"

"I understand," Chang Gui breathed a sigh of relief.

It has to be said that since Chen Huai'an took office, they have really become much more relaxed.

Apart from occasionally helping to write memorials, I only need to do what I'm told.

Chang Gui finally understood why Chen Huai'an always wanted to make His Majesty suffer.

It feels so good to have someone backing you up!

"Alright, you guys go about your business. Things will get better after this period." Chen Huai'an stood up, ready to leave.

Official business is official business, and personal life is personal life.

When he's not on official business, he still enjoys the warmth and comfort of everyday life.

Explore the bustling city of Chang'an.

After leaving the Ministry of Works, Chen Huai'an strolled leisurely and soon arrived at a bustling street.

Merchants from foreign lands, street vendors, acrobatic performers surrounded by crowds, and shouts rising and falling—all these elements paint a vivid picture of the authentic Chang'an city.

Chen Huai'an smiled slightly and walked over.

"The warmth and comfort of everyday life are what truly soothe the human heart!"

"..."